Powerful photography exhibition raises awareness of Rohingya refugees

A photography exhibition documenting the plight of the Rohingya refugees currently seeking refuge in Bangladesh will be on display at Edge Hill University from today, 29th May until 9th June.

Amnesty International describes the Rohingya as ‘one of the most persecuted minorities in the world’. The refugees, 60% of whom are children, having fled from Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh, are now being faced with deportation even though they remain stateless, with uncertain futures. It has been observed that there has been very little awareness of this catastrophic human disaster in the Western world.

Who are the new ‘Boat People’? features photographs taken by Bangladeshi photo journalist, Fojit Sheikh Babu, which document the day to day lives of the Rohingya community since their arrival in Bangladesh from Myanmar.

Fojit Sheikh Babu said: “In any society or area the minority group will be become victim to all kinds of oppression. I have seen first hand the terrible oppression the Rohignya are experiencing and want to bring their story to the world.”

Who are the new ‘Boat People’? will also contain paintings of the similar 1971 Bangladesh/Pakistan conflict and current Rohingya situation, by accomplished Bangladeshi/French artist, Shahabuddin.

The exhibition has been coordinated by Dr Tasleem Shakur, Senior Lecturer in Geography at Edge Hill University.

Dr Shakur said: “Rohingya refugees, particularly the women and children, need urgent and worldwide attention and support. The Ronhingyas are experiencing torture, rape and genocide and I wanted to help raise awareness of this to help alleviate this desperate situation.”

The exhibition is part of Edge Hill’s annual Festival of Ideas, which this year explores a theme of Equalities.

An evening of panel discussions and performances, culminating in a screening of a Rohingya documentary will officially launch the exhibition on Friday 1st June. Click here to book a place at this free public event.